This world is shadow, rise
and fall
or sideways slide
of voltage.
This world is fish in gliding
nightwash:
all metal-and-teeth,
all chrome-and-gut,
all blank windows
and jaws
and you just want to breathe
without being pinched.
But I pinch, clutch, scuttle
in your clench!
I am your knight in rusted armor,
your strong claw, your might-
have-been, your unpaid
protection. I live
in that soup can you have for rent
in your chest
and I will defend you against every!
I will no you
into carapace and clack
the wrack of any,
and you will be safe
and if you are sorry
that’s not my worry.

Poems used with permission of the authors, and may not be re-used without their permission.